Nicola Tesla: The Genius Who Lit the World

THE CONTENT: fascinating. Nikola Tesla, cited by Encyclopedia Britannica as one of the ten most interesting figures of all time, was born in Yugoslavia and came to the U.S. to work for Thomas Alva Edison. He and his mentor soon became adversaries in the "War of the Currents"--Edison, seeking to protect his interests in direct current technology, and Tesla convinced of the superiority of alternating current. Subsidized by Westinghouse, Astor, and Morgan, Tesla prevailed and alternating current became the standard of electricity in the 20th century. Among his patents and inventions were the basic system of radio (a scheme used by Marconi), X-ray principles, robotics, wireless telegraphy, and vertical take-off aircraft. He also designed the world's first hydroelectric plant and his induction motor is listed as one of the greatest discoveries of all time. THE PRODUCTION VALUES: another matter. The sound is uneven, images are not always in sync with the soundtrack, and titles appear to be typewritten in white and are poorly placed. Too, a long segment filmed at the Tesla Museum and Archive in Belgrade features the director, Prof. A. Marinci, whose heavily accented, halting commentary is difficult to understand. Purchase where these considerations are subordinate to the subject matter. (J. Reed)